About
I have 12+ years experience with a concentration in Piano pedagogy and performance and vocal coaching. Curriculums are chosen according to the learning style of the students. I am a high energy teacher with kindness and spunk. My service stands out through my students, 5 of whom have performed at the coveted world renowned Carnegie Hall in NYC.
There is such fulfillment watching a student grow from not understanding a keyboard to playing beautiful melodies on a stage for their peers and loved ones. Hearing a singer find their melody and hearing/singing correct pitches and correct tonality.
I enjoy teaching the gift of music because of the uniqueness of each individual, the discipline it instills, the therapeutic quality it creates, the intelligence it grows, and the joy it brings to so many people.
To see a person light up when they learn is gratifying.
Highlights
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Michael A.
Mary H.
Douglas B.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I get to know the student's taste in music, activities they are involved with, what their hobbies are and their specific learning style.
Then we choose the appropriate materials and get started straight away! We focus on learning technique and reading music very quickly along with building agility in the fingers, hands, wrists and forearms. I do not use a one-size-fits-all approach, because each individual has a learning style that reaches them best.
Singers learn proper breathing techniques and phrasing; how breath moves through the body to create the sound needed without hurting vocal chords or straining. They learn how to project sound forward, and how different "placement" is needed for different types of singing. They learn how to read and sing the solfege scales as well as a bit of theory.
Voice lessons are a BLAST, and you're going to do things that are hilarious and some things where you're thinking "huh?" I promise you it all makes sense, and I explain why we do things a certain way.
We also learn the "feel" of rhythm before we play or sing the rhythm. Great fun!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Full tuition Presidential scholarship for study in Piano Performance with a minor in Theatrical singing.
I also received the Tri Kappa music scholarship for continuing education.
I received Classical training under Carolyn Spindler of The Cincinnati Conservatory for concert piano and Glory Heidi for theatre singing.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Pricing is for half hour or 45 min lessons plus any materials/curriculum needed for proper learning.
How did you get started teaching?
As a performing artist, more and more listeners were asking "Do you teach?"
I enjoy both aspects of teaching and performing.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with 4 year old beginners to 50 year old adults and all kinds of personalities and tastes in music.
I work with beginning to advanced students of all ages and backgrounds in piano and beginning to intermediate students in voice.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I always enjoy watching my students perform at recitals and extracurricular opportunities throughout the community!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Personality is a given, but also musical tastes.
Ask the instructor questions about their methods, and does the teacher make you feel comfortable and at ease during the lesson? Are they encouraging yet skilled in progressing the student forward?
Is the teacher able to play at the desired skill you are trying to achieve?
Do they motivate you to achieve?
What is accomplished during lesson time, and what does the teacher expect during practice time at home?